BnB Review: DJ-KiCKS: Apparat

Written by Youri Jozee

Yes, it’s been out for a few weeks and yes, we’re a bit late with our review, but if you haven’t fetched your copy yet, here’s why you should do so as soon as you can.

 

Apparat
Sasha Ring is often credited as one of the most talented artists in the field of experimental electronics, sophistically merging melodics to harmonic but twisted beats and irregular effect morphing that has gained him a worldwide following. He has already got three albums released on the Shitkatapult labels and is a member of the celebrated Moderat outfit (indeed, together with Modeselektor). So much for the intro.

“A mix needs a bit of dynamic.”
The quote above perfectly summarizes what Apparat regards as a compilation’s most important feature. And he has succeeded admirably to say the least. His DJ-KiCKS edition has become an intriguing ensemble of dreamy, melodic and beautiful electronic sounds that’s very hard to pigeonhole. But why should we anyway? The 24-track compilation blends in tunes from Ripperton, Cosmin TRG, Luke Abbott, Thom Yorke and many others into a fascinating and soulful journey. And while these artists may not have much in common at first, Apparat skillfully merges each song to match it with its follow-up, creating a wonderful listening experience the way only a true pro can.

The compilation opens with mesmerizing tunes from Apparat himself, 69, then moves on to bittersweet compositions such as the truly beautiful Lenghthening Shadows by Telefon Tel Aviv and the throbbing house beats on Ripperton’s Echocity. Guided by a palette of effects and most of all intelligent mixing, the mix sets off into a dreamy yet very powerful direction with tracks by Welt Am Draht (by the absurdly talented Pantha Du Prince) and the genius track of Moth by Burial & Four Tet. After this there’s no slowing down. In fact, the mix climaxes in the form of sheer epicness by Thom Yorke on Harrowdown Hill, and Joy Orbison’s melodramatic The Shrew Would Have Cushioned the Blow, one of the many absolute highlights in the mix.

Our verdict.
In terms of melodics, Apparat’s DJ-KiCKS mix is comparable to James Holden’s recent contribution, but far more powerful and even more compelling due to the brilliant beat-structure this mix spawns. Not only is this another fantastic episode in the already legendary DJ-KiCKS series, it’s above all a true masterpiece of, and here we go again, one of the most skilled artists in electronic music today. There’s no excuse to miss out on this one.

Rating: 8.9/10
Label: !K7
Release date: Out now

← BnB Review: C-Jay - Forever Now		Sven Väth In The Mix - The Sound Of The 11th Season →

Tweet